Tuesday, January 26, 2016

mexican siesta with jw marriott

This probably goes without saying at this point, but I can't resist a good Mexican siesta every once and a while. Case in point? Just this past year alone, I've visited Cabo in May as well as August, experiencing completely different parts of the area and local flare both times. And as luck would have it, just this past week, I hopped back for more, this time for the grand unveiling of the JW Marriott, which opened it's doors earlier this season.

Click through to see more photos and read more about my experience across the border...

To say this trip couldn't have come at a better time is perhaps an understatement, as I'm just now starting to wrap my head around the need for frequent winter getaways. New York was just flexing her bitterly cold muscles as I was packing up my Cynthia Rowley swimsuits and hailing the first Uber I could find to take me straight away to JFK.

The flight, as it always is, was a little bumpy and despite some unfortunate delays and some serious hustling to make my connecting flight in Atlanta, I was sipping a cadillac margarita by 2pm local time, greeted with a warm "buenos tardes" by everyone I met. Those who know me, know I love any and every excuse to brush up on my Spanish (which much to Ms. Siddall from Galena High School's dismay, isn't great) but hey, A for effort, right?

Let's set the scene shall we? The JW Marriott line, as I learned upon arriving, boasts the luxury side of the Marriott family, in unique destinations like Cairo, Cusco and Caracas and now Cabo (alliteration was somewhat intentional). And what struck me the most, upon arriving, was just how much they let the surrounding environment and culture play center stage. For anyone who's spent time in Cabo, you know how nestled it sits next to a beautiful coastline -- your drive from the airport usually shows it off pretty nicely. Rolling desert hills that drop off pretty dramatically to these beautiful seaside cliffs, overlooking some of the bluest water, capping off in sprays of white, as tiny surfers down below try their luck. It always strikes me as oddly beautiful that such a seemingly arid desert oasis, sits next to such a lush coastline -- the juxtaposition is as jarring as it is mesmerizing. One of the biggest reasons why I love Cabo, truly.

And the JW Marriott? Nailed it. Where the surrounding properties exude a Spanish colonial villa flair reminiscent of Hotel California, the Los Cabos Beach Resort & Spa went a different direction, modern, but still warm. Tall, grand entrances that open directly where you want them to -- to the ocean, allowing the perfect amount of breeze to roll through the lobby. Cacti and succulents are sprinkled throughout the property (an appropriate nod to the surrounding environment), amid palm trees and bougainvillea of course, and many, many pools, most of which seem to disappear just so out to the ocean at the right angle. There's something undeniably bewitching about the property when you roam around it. Slats in walls and window lookouts from different levels of the lobby allow the sun to cast some of the most amazing shadows throughout the day, especially as you're taking it all in from one of their infinity pools. I have to admit, more than once, I got a bit turned around while exploring the property, but really in the best way possible. It's almost labyrinth-like -- a delightful maze to get lost in.

As for the pools, don't get me started. I wish I was there right now.

While we were only in paradise for less than 48 hours, I do feel completely rejuvenated from it. Between the rooms, all with private balconies and not a bad view in the house, to the many delicious meals we enjoyed (including a breathtaking al fresco dinner in their courtyard), from getting my butt kicked at a morning beach boot camp session to Betty Who's private performance, this weary New Yorker returned to the States with a much needed tan and more than her fair share of sighs of contentment. Even if Jonas and 30 inches of snow were waiting for her back at home.

So Cabo, fourth's time a charm perhaps? This New Yorker will definitely be ready for you again in March. Oh gosh, let's be honest, more like February.